In a political shift that has further bolstered the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), three Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senators from Kebbi State officially defected to the APC on Monday, increasing the party’s majority in the Senate to 68 members.
The defectors — Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North), and Garba Maidoki (Kebbi South) — announced their move during plenary, days after meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja to seal the defection deal.
In a 9am News report, Aliero, a former governor and one-time Minister of the FCT, stated in his resignation letter that his decision was based on “deep reflection and assessment of the political and socio-economic realities” of Nigeria and his constituency. He accused the PDP of straying from the aspirations of Nigerians and lacking internal cohesion.
“Politics must never be about personal loyalty to a platform,” Aliero said. “The PDP has become disconnected… I believe the APC offers a more viable platform for service.”
His colleagues, Abdullahi and Maidoki, echoed similar views, describing their return to the APC as necessary to support President Tinubu’s leadership and ongoing national reforms.
Senator Yahaya Abdullahi, a former Senate Leader, described the move as a “homecoming,” noting that the issues that led to his departure from the APC in 2022 have since been resolved by Kebbi’s current governor, Mohammed Nasir Idris.
“It is politically imperative for me to join Mr. President by offering my legislative knowledge to support his efforts in reinventing Nigeria,” Abdullahi added.
Meanwhile, the PDP in Kebbi State dismissed the defections as insignificant to its political prospects. Party officials insisted that the departure of the three lawmakers would not diminish the PDP’s influence or strength in the Northwest state.
Following the defections, the PDP now holds 30 Senate seats, while Labour Party (LP) has five, Social Democratic Party (SDP) holds two, and both NNPP and APGA have one senator each. Two Senate seats remain vacant due to the death of Senator Ifeanyi Mbah (Anambra South) and the election of Monday Okpebholo (Edo Central) as governor.
Reacting to the development, top APC senators including Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, and Senator Adams Oshiomhole dismissed claims that the defections were orchestrated to avoid prosecution or gain personal favour.
Bamidele said: “These senators are accomplished individuals. No one coerced them. This is a reflection of confidence in our party’s direction.”
Senator Oshiomhole, speaking on a television programme, downplayed fears that APC’s growing dominance could undermine democracy. He emphasized that vibrant parliamentary debates would continue, regardless of party size.
“If you follow debates in the Senate, party lines are often blurred. It’s about the issues and representation of diverse Nigerian interests,” Oshiomhole said.
The defections were witnessed by a powerful APC delegation including the party’s National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, Kebbi Governor Mohammed Nasir Idris, former governor Saidu Dakingari, and Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs Yusuf Sununu.
As political realignments continue ahead of future elections, the APC appears to be consolidating power not just at the executive level but also within the legislative arm, potentially reshaping the balance of influence in Nigeria’s Senate.
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